Mongu resident have brought down a large portrait of Mwata Kazembe of Luapula Province displayed at the entrance to Mongu, describing it as an insult to the Litunga, the King of the Lozi people.

Bill board after Mwata’s portrait was removed

Furious at what they described as insensitivity to traditional leadership and a display of disrespect for the Litunga and the lozi culture, Mongu residents demanded that the portrait be removed within 24 hours.

When the ultimatum elapsed, the residents with collaboration from representatives from the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), brought down the portrait on Thursday morning.

Irate youths tried to burn the portrait, but elders advised the youths that Lozi people were peaceful and respected the cultures of others, and therefore the portrait was merely removed, folded nicely and taken away.

Many people talked to complained that the people who put that placard were trying to test Barotseland, but that whatever the reason, it surely did not work out.